Turtles are adorable pets with unique characteristics that make a lovely aquarium addition. The shelled friends are aggressive swimmers who require a quality sturdy home so that they can freely move from one end to the other. Setting up a turtle tank can be a bit daunting and needs a bit of research.

With so many turtle kits in the market, we’ve researched and analyzed ten best turtle tanks that are available to help you establish an excellent habitat for your new pet. To keep healthy, these cold-blooded animals need to stay warm and gulp air regularly so you’ll need to maintain the right habitat for them with the right conditions. The buyer’s guide below will show you the features you should look out for before purchasing a turtle tank.

What Factors Should You Consider before Purchasing a Turtle Tank?

Size

A turtle needs sufficient space to swim, bask, hide and eat. Finding the right space will help your shelled friend not feel stressed or cramped in small areas. Experienced hobbyists recommend ten times the length of the shell of the turtle in gallons. So if a baby turtle is 2 inches long, you multiply that by 10 to get a 20-gallon tank.

A 10-inch adult turtle requires 100-gallon tank so keep in mind that a baby turtle grows quite fast and if you’re going to house it in the same aquarium tank you may have to buy another one soon if it outgrows that one. Also, if you'll accommodate more than one turtle, a good choice would be a slightly bigger tank rather than a small tank.

Basking Space

Your shelled friend likes to crawl out of the water and warm itself frequently and breathe fresh air without which it would eventually die. A sufficient dock that would cater for this need would be best set up at the top on one side of the kit to create more space. Remember, your turtle needs to keep safe and comfortable all the time.

UV Light

Naturally, turtles bask in the sun to keep warm. Unfortunately, this is not possible when they’re in a tank. A UV light is the next best option to substitute natural light and warmth. Now it will be possible for your shelled friend to crawl out of the water, gulp air and bask in the docking space.

Ease of Connecting Filters, Heaters and other Components

Before buying an aquarium for your turtle, ensure that all components like filters and heat lamps are easy to connect. Besides this, you'll need a screen with bio-wheels that can help grow beneficial bacteria at the same time keep the tank clean.

Filters

Speaking of turtle tank filters, you’ll need one that keeps the water clean and safe since the tank holds their feed and their droppings. You'll need to clean the filters regularly since algae grow in them which can be harmful to juvenile turtles. It's also essential to consider replacing cartridges often.

Proper Nutrition

Just like other fish type, turtles require adequate nutrition to grow and stay healthy. Proper nutrition will help it to flourish, and increase in size and weight.

Tank Decorations

If you want your aquarium to look as natural as possible with plastic aquatic plants, rocks and other accessories invest in quality rather than quantity. The decorations should be well anchored and sturdy to survive for some time. Also, a visually attractive tank is one that many turtle owners would love to have in their households so that it can be a center of attraction. Tank decorations can be purchased or replaced to suit your needs and preferences.

Turtles are aggressive and can uproot and swallow the substrates that are in the tank. Ensure that the decorations you use such as plastic plants, rocks and gems are large enough to safeguard their lives.

Durability

Durability is an essential factor to consider before purchasing a turtle tank. The best kits feature durable materials and sturdy construction that will offer you service for a long time without breaking down.

Additionally, well-known brands are the best though expensive than other unknown brands. However, some unknown brands are feature-packed though you may need to check their reviews and do a little research before purchasing them. Also ensure that when you're buying other accessories, you check their quality for durability.

What is the Best Turtle Tank Size?

There are three main sizes of turtle tanks:

10 gallon

20 gallon

40 gallon tank

The 10-gallon tank is the right size for starters but too small for your fast-growing shelled friend. On the other hand, the 20-gallon tank is considered the best by most veterans as it can host a growing turtle for a long time and suits most restrooms.

A 40-gallon tank is huge and can fit several young turtles or an adult turtle. However, it requires an ample space to set up making it an unsuitable choice for most homes.

Now, with a small aquarium, you could soon be budgeting for another one for your growing shelled friend. A large tank is also not ideal as it may not fit your space, this means that a 20-gallon turtle tank is the best choice and most reviewed for both starters and veterans.

How to Select the Right Size for Your Turtle

Selecting the right size may not be easy for novice hobbyists. However, as your baby turtle grows it needs more space, so you're better off with a slightly bigger tank. The right size will depend on many things like pet species and the number of turtles you own among others.

If you have a very active turtle species, you may need a large tank to offer your shelled friend with sufficient space to swim and busk. Also, if you have more than one turtle, you'll need a kit that can host several pets at a go and maintain space for each to swim and busk for warmth.

Types of Turtles

Two different kinds of turtles are kept as pets by most hobbyists namely: land turtles and aquatic turtles.

Land Turtles

They are easy to maintain and mostly require a desert substrate in their tanks. They prefer shallow waters to submerge themselves and a busking platform to keep them warm. The best examples include box turtles and tortoises, and long tanks suit them best.

Aquatic Turtles

This type requires more care and are more demanding than land turtles. They're agile swimmers moving from one end of the tank to the other. Your pets can escape if the kit is not adequately secured. Ensure that you purchase an aquarium that comes with proper security features that keeps all your pets safe inside the tank.

How to Keep Your Turtle Tank Clean

Turtle tanks need to be clean so that harmful bacteria will not grow and cause diseases to your shelled friend. To keep it clean there are some tips that you can follow for a healthy and vibrant pet.

Spacious TankFirst, in addition to the extra decorations that you may prefer to purchase for your turtle kit, ensure that you choose a tank that’s large enough to fit your turtles and all other accessories. The shelled friends are quite messy. Therefore, if you opt to go for a small tank, it will be harder to keep it clean.

Clean Food LeftoversSecondly, clean up all the food leftovers to discourage harmful bacteria growth. Old food combines with turtle droppings, rots and disintegrates forming a bad odour-causing a massive threat to your pets.

Turtle Tank FilterAdditionally, you need an excellent turtle tank filter. What is most important is that it can clean and keep the environment healthy for your pet. It should also feature a durable construction that will be durable for many years to come.

Regular Overhaul CleaningWe recommend you do an overhaul cleaning of your pet's environment every once a week so that you can keep harmful bacteria and odour away which will include cleaning the floor mat, the net, sponges, the decorations and other accessories.

Regular Water ChangesTo cut down on waste, stinky water and turtle droppings conduct frequent water changes for healthy and vibrant pets. Also, monitor ammonia and nitrates as they constitute a significant threat to the life of marine animals.

In this review, we shall look at the most versatile 10-gallon to 20-gallon turtle tanks for juvenile turtles.

10 Best Turtle Tanks

1. Tetra Deluxe 20 Gallon Aquatic Turtle Kit

This 20-gallon comes as a full-scale kit with quality accessories that you need to start your aquatic turtle habitat making it an excellent choice for a starter tank. It features a 3-stage filtration system that keeps the water clear and odour-free and 2-heating lamps for warmth. There’s also a large basking platform which is ideal for your new pet to lounge and stays warm.

This kit also comes with decorative essentials such as the Repto-filter, a boxwood plant mat and two 5.5- inch dome lamps with bulbs making it a ready to “setup and go” kit. In addition to this, Tetra included a beautiful waterfall feature on the filter that would offer a center of attraction in your home.

pros

Heating: two 5.5 inch dome lamps and 13watt UVB bulb

Filter: a 3-stage Whisper filtration system

A beautiful waterfall decorative Repto-filter

Durable set

Quiet filter

A beautiful Repto-filter

Excellent tank for amateurs

cons

The quality on the lid and the locks are lacking

If you intend to fill the tank with 20 gallons of water, the basking platform becomes a bit short

2. Reptile Habitat Setup Aquarium Tank Kit

The Reptile Habitat aquarium kit is a 10-gallon tank an excellent choice for starters who are looking forward to owning a juvenile turtle. This product features plastic and glass construction that offers you with the ability to see your shelled friend in its natural environment.

Reptile Habitat kit notably features a hiding hole where your turtle can find a place to take a rest away from the world. The steps on the basking platform offer the turtle with sufficient space to warm itself under the UV heating bulb. Also, the tank comes with a Tetra Whisper water filter that helps to keep the water clear and free of any disease-causing bacteria.

pros

Heating: 60-watt heating light bulb

Filter: Tetra Whisper water filter

Affordable

Sturdy plastic and glass construction

Easy to setup

Doesn’t take up much space

cons

3. Aqua Culture 10 Gallon Reptile Kit

This 10-gallon reptile kit features a 60watt dome lamp that keeps your shelled friend warm and gradual stair steps that provides easy climbing to the basking area. Aqua Culture included a convenient hiding spot and a see-through glass that makes it easy to watch what your turtle is doing.

This reptile kit notably features a sturdy glass construction and Tetra ReptoMin food making it a great starter kit for a new turtle owner.

Well-Built tank size should feature 10 gallons of water per inch of the turtle to create a basking platform that will not be too short allowing your pet to swim and bask comfortably. Remember, your pet needs to completely dry off, so a submerged basking platform may not work well.

The rimless and open top makes it easy for you to watch your shelled friend as he crawls out to bask. The bottom heat mat included in this kit helps the shelled friend to stay warm while the screen cover keeps the heat in and unwanted critters out.

On the other hand, the mesh lid lets in fresh air so that the turtle can have fresh air. The tank can accommodate extra decorations which can be purchased apart from this kit.

pros

Heating: UVA/UVB lighting and Premium bottom heat mat

Temperature and humidity gauge

Quick to assemble

Includes a heat and humidity gauge

Durable

Includes a heated liner

cons

Prone to damage while shipping

Doesn’t seem like a starter kit to some reviews since you end up buying extra accessories

5. Animal Supply Co. En28075 Zilla Rimless 20-gallon Turtle Kit

This premium 20L aquatic turtle kit from Animal Supply features an elegant chamfered front with an open-topped terrarium- a high quality unique and elegant tank for your pet. The tank also includes a filtration system that doubles up as a climbing surface and basking platform.

Besides, this beautiful kit features high-quality premium heating system and UVB lighting that provides your turtle with warmth all day long. The tank features a water conditioner and a complete setup guide. It also includes aquatic turtle food that will keep your shelled friend happy and healthy.

pros

Heating: UVB lighting and heat bulb

Filter: Filtration unit included

Elegant chamfered front open-topped terranium

The filter works well

Modern and visually attractive

Compact UVB light and heat bulb casing

cons

6. Zilla 28006 20-Gallon Turtle Tank

This Zilla 20- gallon turtle tank features one lower side that that allows the water level to be at a height low enough to prevent the escape of your shelled friend. There's a clear cutout piece that attaches to the cutout and covers each side of the filter and extends all the way up to the top rim of the tank that helps to reduce water splash from the filter.

The kit is spacious enough for active small pets like mud or musk turtle while the clear plastic piece allows the water level to be set low so that the shelled friend won’t escape. The tank features a patented filter mounting panel and a standard small aquarium power filter. The modelled acrylic panel is sturdy especially if you have children in the house at keeps your pets safely inside.

pros

Heating: UVB lighting and heat bulb

Filter: A standard small aquarium power filter

Extra-large turtles and amphibians habitat

Good quality for the price

The lower side helps the turtles from escaping

Spacious enough for agile turtles

cons

7. Aqueon Basic 10 Gallon Kit Aquarium

The Aqueon Basic 10 gallon kit features a robust glass construction and a QuietFlow water filter that helps to keep the water clean of clear of any bacteria that could be harmful to your shelled friend.

The kit notably features a filter cartridge that is important for anyone looking to buy a model that will filter the water faster that provides an undisturbed environment for the turtle. Aqueon also included a deluxe fluorescent hood, two incandescent heating bulbs that provide your pet with warmth and a fluorescent lamp.

The sturdy glass included in this kit is sturdy enough to withstand pressure from water while keeping your pets safely inside.

pros

Heating: Two incandescent bulbs and a fluorescent bulb

An Excellent filtration system. QuietFlow power filter and filter cartridge

Sturdy glass

Decent starter tank

Reasonably priced

cons

8. Tetra 20 Gallon Complete Aquarium Kit

This Tetra 20 gallon aquarium kit works well for many juvenile turtles. It features a Tetra mini UL heater system that provides your turtle with warmth for so that it can thrive. This tank notably features a sturdy glass construction that’s scratch-resistant for durability. It also offers your pet with safety.

The LED hood included in this kit provides a natural daytime effect. This 20-gallon tank also features a Tetra Whisper 20 filter where your shelled friend can actively swim and bask all day long.

This aquarium kit makes an excellent choice for an apartment setting since it doesn’t use a lot of space. The high-quality artificial boxwood plant mat and the plant multipacks add aesthetic beauty and color to pet's habitat – a high center of attraction in your home. Some sample foods come with the kit, and the mesh hood is conveniently placed so that everything is right where it's supposed to be.

pros

Heating: Tetra 100 watt HT 20 heater

Filter: Whisper filter

Scratch-resistant glass

Sturdy scratch-resistant glass

Cool colour-fusion lights

Excellent size for starters

Quiet filter when set correctly

cons

9. Zilla 01312 10-Gallon Basic Desert Kit

The Zilla 01312 basic kit is a great choice for your juvenile pet. It features a spacious 10-gallon tank with two reflective light dome fixtures that offer heat and warmth to your turtle and desert reptiles.

Zilla included an odor-fighting terrarium liner carpet that keeps the tank free from odours and harmful bacteria. In addition to this feature, there's a temperature gauge that monitors the right water conditions for a healthy and happy pet.

This starter kit notably features a screen cover and security clips that keep your shelled friend safely inside its habitat. There’s also a new beginner’s guide that helps the new hobbyist get started right.

pros

Heating: Two reflective dome lights

Filter: Not included in the set

Easy for the beginner hobbyist

The dome lights work well

Excellent choice for beginners

Easy to clean floor mat

cons

Some additional supplies needed

It’s not cost effective as you’ll need to upgrade in two or three months

10. Zilla 28015 15-Gallon Critter Cage

This 24x12x12 inch set from Zilla features a 15-gallon tank that includes a lockable front latch that provides security to your pet so that it doesn’t escape from the cage. The kit also features a premium sliding metal top for enhanced stability while creating a tropical paradise for critters and turtles.

This plain tank is large enough to accommodate two to four pets and can be used to house land turtles. The aquarium can fit an external filter and various decorations leaving enough space for your pet to bask.

pros

Heating: No heating system included

Filter: Not included in the set

Has a lockable front latch for increased security

Escape-resistant top mesh

Durable self-aligning frame

Well made

cons

Wrap up

If you’re new in taking care of turtles, then we’d recommend that you choose one of the listed high quality 10 gallons to 20-gallon turtle kits. Each of these picks come with high-quality neat features and durable materials designed to last you for a long time or until you upgrade.

Many reptile and amphibian owners prefer the starter tanks as they come as a complete kit so you won’t have to spend extra money purchasing those accessories.

Rating

4.7 by 3 votes

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